JESSICA + MITCH // A SMALL BACKYARD WEDDING IN NORTHPORT, MICHIGAN
When a couple gets married with only their immediate family present - in their backyard - I feel incredibly honored to be there as a wedding vendor.
Many of the weddings I've photographed this year have been orchestrated with minimal outside help. Food and flowers are picked up. The attire was purchased online. Family throws together decor and the spread for cocktail hour. Mom lights the candles, dad makes sure the meat is heated to the correct temperature.
I love watching it come together and documenting all of the joy, the love and the tight knit relationships, but I always feel the weight of being the "outsider" within such a close group. I want to be there to serve my clients, and be helpful and reassuring, while at the same time avoid altering the experience that they have imagined for themselves. I want to be involved in capturing their story without imposing.
It's so personal to walk into one of the most important days in a family's life. It's a privilege really. And before I know it someone is asking me if I need anything to drink, and someone else is noticing my baby belly and asking me when I'm due and chatting with me about their own pregnancies and babies. Dad is making sure I've eaten and the bride and her mom are packing up another plate for me to take home and I walk away feeling like a part of the group... like it's the most natural thing in the world. Seriously, what other job is like this?! Thank you so much Jessica & Mitch for inviting me into your lives on such a significant day - I’m truly honored. Cheers!
